Design and characterization of fenretinide containing organogels

The stable, transparent, organogels, which are prepared by adding a minute amount of water to a solution of lecithin in biocompatible oil, are here studied as matrices for solubilization and percutaneous delivery of fenretinide (4 hydroxypropyl phenyl retinamide, 4HPR), a retinoic acid derivative. The influence of different types of oil, content of water and presence of hyaluronic acid was studied on gel properties. Rheology studies were carried out in order to detect the effect of these variables on gel viscosity. 4HPR diffusion from the different organogels was determined by in vitro Franz cell.It was found that diffusion coefficients (Jn) of 4HPR incorporated in organogels are about five fold lower than Jn of 4HPR in organic solution.Stability and shelf life stability studies demonstrate that 4HPR incorporated in organogels does not degrade and that organogels maintain 90% of 4HPR stability for periods up to 4 months.

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► Formulative study to vehiculate fenretinide (4HPR) in a topical form.
► 4HPR can be easily solubilised in lecithin organogels avoiding thermal stresses.
► 4HPR diffusion from organogels 20 fold higher with respect to conventional topical forms.
► 4HPR incorporated in organogels does not degrade after 3 months at 40 °C.
► Organogels maintain 90% of 4HPR stability for periods up to 8 months.